>>>In case anyone is interested and doesn't already know, Robert Crais has a new Joe Pike book out (hardcover). The title is "The First Rule". I just bought it.
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>>I read it as soon as it came out and enjoyed it. Lots of writers who achieve success on his level start mailing it in. He hasn't yet. Joe Pike has always been the best thing in his books -- the stories always take off when he shows up -- and I like the ones that focus on him rather than Elvis Cole.
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>I like Cole too though because he's such a wiseass. But I know what you mean. Pike is a great character.
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>A little bit out of the way, but what the heck. Have you ever read a book called "The Sot Weed Factor" by John Barth? That's a book I've read 14 times and I'm getting the itch again. Any lover of reading should pick up a copy. If I were cornered on it, I'd have to say it is my all-time favourite novel. Historical fiction - not to mention hysterical fiction. It's my 'desert island' top choice.

I have heard of it, probably from you, but have not read it.

This afternoon I stopped by the library and picked up two books, including the new one by Ian Rankin. The reviewers have not been enthusiastic -- "bring back Rebus," they basically are saying -- but I'll give it a shot. That's one of the great things about library books -- no investment, so no hesitation in bailing out of anything that doesn't grab me.